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property overview

Portraits of 17th century aristocrats preside over the grand entrance hall, which opens into a charming winter garden.

The blink-and-you-miss-it entrance and understated façade of this gem in the city’s centro storico provide an air of exclusivity, particularly appreciated by returning guests. Portraits of Italy’s 17th-century aristocracy cast a watchful eye over the hotel’s grand entrance hall, which opens into a charming Belle-Époque winter garden, where Florentine noblemen and local literati would meet for late night drinks (the hotel opened in the mid-19th century). A sweeping, wide staircase leads to the guest floors, each of which is filled with antique furniture and ornaments. From the enormous portrait windows of the fifth-floor suites, Brunelleschi’s famous cupola atop the Duomo appears within touching distance—a classic view of Florence.

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We Recommend

Reading Suggestion

"A Room With A View"

E.M. Forster’s 1908 novel opens in Florence, and you can follow in the footsteps of heroine Lucy Honeychurch as she tours the city.

Museum Must-See

Bargello

Florence's oldest public building, begun in 1255, is where condemned prisoners spent their last night. The courtyard houses a permanent exhibition of sculptures by masters such as Michelangelo and Cellini. (39-55) 294-883; www.polomuseale.firenze.it.

Best View

Brunelleschi’s Dome

If you don’t mind walking up 464 steps, the best view is from the Cathedral Dome, completed in 1461. www.brunelleschisdome.com.

Best Family Activity

Children’s Museum of Palazzo Vecchio

Informative tours teach children (and parents) about the history of the Palazzo Vecchio and Florence through costumed characters and guided walks. (39-55) 276-8224; www.palazzovecchio-familymuseum.it.

Best City Secret

Giardino dell'Iris

This secret garden below the Piazzale Michelangelo, open only in May, contains rows of irises in every imaginable shade.

Best Newcomer

Italian Movies at the Gucci Museum

This museum, opened in 2011 in a 14th-century building on the Piazza della Signoria, features objects from Gucci past and present. Check out the film room where iconic Italian movies like "La Dolce Vita" are projected. (39-55) 7592-3300; www.gucci.com.

Best One-Stop Shop

Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

400 years of uninterrupted operation make this is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world (and adds to its cult status). (39-55) 216-276; www.www.smnovella.it.

Best Cocktail with a View

Uffizi Terrace

Sign up for “Aperitivo ad Arte” and have a drink on top of the Uffizi Gallery Museum, before or after your guided tour of the eight blue rooms filled with 16th-century paintings. www.uffizi.org.